Adaptive Bit Rate Video Multiplexing via HTTP Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adaptive video delivery techniques are not optimized to maximize picture quality across multiple video programs within a fixed-bit-rate transmission channel, as they focus on delivering a single program without considering the bandwidth usage and quality of other programs in the channel.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and apparatus for multiplexing digital video programs in an adaptive bit rate environment, where video programs are provided in a fragmented format with multiple bit rates, and an HTTP proxy manages requests to ensure all programs fit within the fixed-bit-rate channel by adjusting bit rates based on client requests, subscription plans, and overall bandwidth, using statistical multiplexing techniques to optimize delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If VBR compression is used to maximize picture quality, then picture quality is improved, but bit rate fluctuation increases causing potential overflow of fixed-rate channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-segmenting video programs into temporal segments and pre-calculating bit rate allocations before transmission. The system divides video content into manageable segments and prepares statistical multiplexing parameters in advance, allowing the fixed-rate channel to be efficiently utilized without real-time complex control while maintaining VBR quality benefits.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple VBR-compressed video programs are sent over a fixed-rate channel, then picture quality is improved, but aggregate bit rate may exceed channel capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing multiple video programs into temporal segments and organizing them into a structured multiplex format. Each program is segmented into segments that can be independently controlled and allocated bit rates, ensuring the aggregate bit rate remains within channel capacity while maintaining VBR quality characteristics for each program.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing time-varying bit rate allocation across multiple video programs in the multiplex. The system dynamically adjusts the bit rate assigned to each program at different time segments based on channel conditions and program requirements, allowing picture quality to be optimized while ensuring aggregate compliance with fixed-rate channel constraints.
3Ease of operation
If CBR compression is used for easy management, then ease of operation is improved, but picture quality efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multiplex structure that can accommodate both CBR and VBR compressed video programs within a single fixed-rate channel. The system provides a universal framework that handles different compression types through a unified statistical multiplexing approach, maintaining ease of operation while improving picture quality efficiency for VBR programs.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for delivering video programs are provided. A plurality of video programs are provided in a fragmented, adaptive bit rate format. A request for a respective video program from the plurality of video programs is received from each of a plurality of clients. The requested video programs are multiplexed for delivery to the clients in a multiplex over a shared, fixed-bit-rate transmission channel. In the fragmented, adaptive bit rate format, the fragment delivered to the client may not be the same as the requested fragment and is dependent on multiple criteria, including the bitrate and quality of the requested and delivered fragments, the total available delivery bandwidth, and other fragment requests made on the channel. The resulting multiplex may be either a constant bit rate multiplex or a variable bit rate multiplex.